This book analyzes rapidly-growing world-class Spanish retail banks. It argues that their success is due to excellent management, clear-headed CEOs, the presence of a cluster of like-minded executives who complement each other and create a homogenous strategy pattern, and that IT systems and the regulatory environment have contributed greatly.

'This book provides a fascinating study on the incredible growth process of the top Spanish banks. It also sheds light on the transformational impact that their top leaders had on those banks. A very unique contribution' - Professor Jordi Canals, Dean, IESE Business School 'Kase and Jacopin offer fascinating insight into the remarkable and surprising emergence of Banco Santander and BBVA as leading global banks. Against a background of disappointing returns to international expansion by retail banks, Santander and BBVA have reconciled rapid asset growth, strong profitability, and excellent shareholder returns. The book offers valuable lessons in how banks can develop strategies that combine operational excellence and attentiveness to the bottom line with inventiveness in developing new business and effectively managing integration.' - Robert M. Grant, Professor Bocconi University, Milan, Italy 'This study of the impressive success of BBVA and Santander banks is more than a descriptive account. Fascinating story, though it is,the book extends more deeply to consider alternative models of bank management and more widely to incorporate comparisons with other strategies in Europe and beyond. The reader will learn much.' - Albert Fishlow, Professor of International Affairs and Director, Institute for Latin American Studies,Columbia University, New York, USA